Devin Ruebenstahl
English
5/21/12
Critical Critique Game of Thrones

What I think make a good story is having a good strong theme that can teach or relate to something in our lives. I think a good theme is important for a story because it leaves a lasting memory of the book. A good story also has a fascinating plot the plot is what keeps the reading flipping pages even though they were supposed to sleep hours ago the plot should grabs your readers attention right through. If a book is slow at the beginning with very little action I quickly get bored. However, without strong characters its pointless, Strong characters bring a story together by having unforgettable characters, in a story I find I can relate to the characters which really brings readers to stay with a book or its series. If I can relate to in some way, or characters that I can love to hate, that is a good story. I believe that strong central characters are the key to a successful book. Other important things for a story are a well chosen setting, a fitting structure, and Intelligent and witty writing. A good story expresses itself in ways the average reader is aware that they could not do if he or she sat down to write.

I think “The Game of Thrones a Song of Ice and Fire” is a good book to read because it contains all of the elements of a good book that I stated above. It contains multiple themes that can relate to life today for example “Everyone is capable of treachery” can relate to my daily life now, with friends who can betray me at any time because I trust them. The Game of Thrones also contains one of the most interesting story plot full of twists and turns that I have ever read before. But what really drew me into reading this book was the characters the character are well developed and detailed filled with their own unique personalities. The setting takes place in a medieval fantasy world with seven kingdom ruled by one king and a giant wall protecting them from the wilderness and what is beyond on a continent called Westeros. The writing is intriguing and comprehensive in a way that I know myself would not have thought of. Having writing like that makes it feel like the book is worth reading, also there’re is some witty writing in there as well which is always a plus and makes reading more enjoyable.

This book is worth reading because of the unique styled plot most fantasy books indentify the good guy (heroes) and bad guys (villains) right away. Or at least eventually, but this is where the game of thrones takes its turn from the normal path of fantasy books. The game of thrones does not immediately show who the bad guys and the good guys are. In fact it never does, sometimes when you think you know who’s who and what’s what with a main character. You think to yourself “yeah that’s the good guy he’d never do anything bad” they go and betray someone. This book also differs on the fact that the author is not afraid to kill off main characters; in most books the protagonist is the main character throughout the whole book. But in a Game of Thrones there are multiple protagonists that are picked off and killed throughout the book. This creates a lot of book throwing, but you always pick that book back up right away to find out what happens next.

In conclusion The Game of Thrones a Song of Ice and Fire contains all the elements of a good book. Then combines them In a unique genre defying way. His plot contains many twists and keeps you captivated throughout the book. His characters keep you intrigued and make you feel for them, either wanting them dead or to struggle for survival. The setting is an interesting land with many kingdoms and dangers that make you want to explore for yourself. Also the authors style of writing is great and can create suspense that will leave you hanging at every chapter making you want to read on even more. That’s why I think the Game of Thrones a Song of Ice and Fire is a good book to read.